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Abstract PIWI proteins, traditionally associated with germline development, have recently gained attention for their expression in various cancers, including colorectal cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying their reactivation and impact on cancer initiation and progression remain elusive. Here, we found that PIWIL1 is expressed at relatively high levels in CRC-derived samples and cell lines, where it undergoes a dynamic relocalization to the centrosome during mitosis. Knockdown of PIWIL1 induces G2/M arrest associated with disruption of the mitotic spindle and aberrant metaphase events, highlighting its role in cell cycle progression. We also found that the expression of PIWIL1 is lost during the differentiation of Caco-2 cells into enterocytes and that PIWIL1 is expressed in cells at the base of the intestinal crypts in normal human colon tissue, where intestinal stem cells are known to reside. Thus, it is possible that the presence of PIWIL1 in cancer cells reflects a physiological role of this protein in stem cell maintenance, which would argue in favor of the proposed stem cell origin of CRC. Supporting this view, dedifferentiation of human fibroblasts into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) involves the reactivation of PIWIL2 expression, another member of the PIWI protein family. Overall, our findings suggest a role of PIWIL1 in mediating cell cycle dynamics, both in colorectal cancer cells and possibly also in intestinal stem cells. In a broader aspect, we provide evidence supporting an involvement of PIWI proteins in somatic stem cell maintenance, thus expanding the known non-gonadal functions of this protein family.

Abstract The discovery of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) represented a significant breakthrough that paved the way for the study of host-pathogen interactions in innate immunity. However, there are still major gaps in understanding TLR function, especially regarding the early dynamics of downstream TLR pathways. Here, we present a label-free optical biosensor-based assay as a method for detecting TLR activation in a native and label-free environment and defining the dynamics of TLR pathway activation. This technology is sufficiently sensitive to detect TLR signaling and readily discriminates between different TLR signaling pathways. We define pharmacological modulators of cell surface and endosomal TLRs and downstream signaling molecules and uncover TLR signaling signatures, including potential biased receptor signaling. These findings highlight that optical biosensor assays complement traditional assays that use a single endpoint and have the potential to facilitate the future design of selective drugs targeting TLRs and their downstream effector cascades.

Abstract The long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and their determinants, are still unknown. This study aimed to assess symptoms one year after admission for COVID-19, according to the organ/system involved, and to identify factors. Cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection from March 2020 to February 2021. Inclusion criteria: aged ≥ 18 years and admitted for COVID-19. Exclusion criteria: death, not localized, refusal to participate, cognitive impairment or language barrier. A telephone survey was conducted on long COVID-related symptoms one year after hospital discharge. n = 486. The most frequent symptom groups were neurological (n = 225; 46.3%) and respiratory (n = 201; 41.4%). Multivariable analysis showed that a history of anxiety was significantly associated with psychiatric symptoms (ORa = 2.04, 95%CI = 1.02–4.06), fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue with general symptoms (ORa = 11.59, 95%CI = 1.47–9.34) and obesity with respiratory (ORa 1.90, 95%CI = 1.27–2.83) and musculoskeletal symptoms (ORa 1.96, 95%CI = 1.30–2.96). Male sex was associated with a significantly lower risk of neurological (ORa 0.64, 95%CI = 0.44–0.93), respiratory (ORa 0.45, 95%CI = 0.31–0.67), general (ORa 0.43, 95%CI = 0.29–0.63), psychiatric (ORa 0.34, 95%CI = 0.22–0.51), musculoskeletal (ORa 0.47, 95%CI = 0.32–0.70), dermatological (ORa 0.24, 95%CI = 0.14–0.42) and digestive (ORa 0.38, 95%CI = 0.20–0.73) symptoms. Advanced age (≥ 71 years) also had a protective effect against general (ORa 0.60, 95%CI = 0.39–0.95), psychiatric (ORa 0.39, 95%CI = 0.23–0.64), and dermatological (ORa 0.47, 95%CI = 0.24–0.92) symptoms. Patients admitted for SARS-CoV-2 infection frequently experience symptoms at one year, especially neurological and respiratory symptoms. Female sex, obesity, a history of anxiety and fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue were independent risk factors for presenting symptoms. Advanced age acted as a protective factor.

Abstract The incorporation of digital pathology in clinical practice will require the training of pathologists in digital skills. Our study aimed to assess the reliability among pathologists in determining tumor percentage in whole slide images (WSI) of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using digital image analysis, and study how the results correlate with the molecular findings. Pathologists from nine centers were trained to quantify epithelial tumor cells, tumor-associated stromal cells, and non-neoplastic cells from NSCLC WSI using QuPath. Then, we conducted two consecutive ring trials. In the first trial, analyzing four WSI, reliability between pathologists in the assessment of tumor cell percentage was poor (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.09). After performing the first ring trial pathologists received feedback. The second trial, comprising 10 WSI with paired next-generation sequencing results, also showed poor reliability (ICC 0.24). Cases near the recommended 20% visual threshold for molecular techniques exhibited higher values with digital analysis. In the second ring trial reliability slightly improved and human errors were reduced from 5.6% to 1.25%. Most discrepancies arose from subjective tasks, such as the annotation process, suggesting potential improvement with future artificial intelligence solutions.

Abstract Synthesis and maturation of Okazaki Fragments is an incessant and highly efficient metabolic process completing the synthesis of the lagging strands at replication forks during S phase. Accurate Okazaki fragment maturation (OFM) is crucial to maintain genome integrity and, therefore, cell survival in all living organisms. In eukaryotes, OFM involves the consecutive action of DNA polymerase Pol ∂, 5’ Flap endonuclease Fen1 and DNA ligase I, and constitutes the best example of a sequential process coordinated by the sliding clamp PCNA. For OFM to occur efficiently, cooperation of these enzymes with PCNA must be highly regulated. Here, we present evidence of a role for the K164-PCNA-deubiquitylase Ubp10 in the maturation of Okazaki fragments in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We show that Ubp10 associates with lagging-strand DNA synthesis machineries on replicating chromatin to ensure timely ligation of Okazaki fragments by promoting PCNA dissociation from chromatin requiring lysine 164 deubiquitylation.

Three filamentous freshwater cyanobacterial strains were grown at high light intensity to produce lipidic dyes composed of xanthophylls, carotenes, and chlorophyll a. The properties of the pigments were evaluated as suitable natural compounds to be applied in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). The assembled DSSC were characterized using the density current vs. potential profiles and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. With an efficiency of 0.127%, our results are higher than those previously reported using similarly structured compounds from natural sources such as algae and cyanobacteria, among others. The best efficiencies were probably related to myxoxanthophyll-like derivates and aphanizophyll are carotenoids with many hydroxyl groups being able to interact with the semiconductor surface. The stability of the bonding between the dyes and the titanium oxide of the photoelectrode is crucial to ensuring the acceptable performance of the DSSC, which was successfully achieved in our experiments with carotenoids with many hydroxyl groups. Our results point to cyanobacterial pigments as a promising source of natural dyes for use in solar cells.

Abstract The use of digital health technologies to measure outcomes in clinical trials opens new opportunities as well as methodological challenges. Digital outcome measures may provide more sensitive and higher-frequency measurements but pose vital statistical challenges around how such outcomes should be defined and validated and how trials incorporating digital outcome measures should be designed and analysed. This article presents eight methodological questions, exploring issues such as the length of measurement period, choice of summary statistic and definition and handling of missing data as well as the potential for new estimands and new analyses to leverage the time series data from digital devices. The impact of key issues highlighted by the eight questions on a primary analysis of a trial are illustrated through a simulation study based on the 2019 Bellerophon INOPulse trial which had time spent in MVPA as a digital outcome measure. These eight questions present broad areas where methodological guidance is needed to enable wider uptake of digital outcome measures in trials.

María Dolores Casanova Teruel fue una pintora relevante en el contexto del arte contemporáneo español desde finales de los años sesenta hasta, aproximadamente, 1988. Sin embargo, su trascendencia se ha diluido con el tiempo. Dado el carácter narrativo y autorreferencial de su producción, este artículo aspira a reconstruir su trayectoria vital mientras se mantuvo activa en el espacio público. Para ello, se efectúa un análisis del diálogo biográfico-artístico en su obra, en el que sus memorias publicadas, eje vertebrador del discurso, se confrontan con sus creaciones pictóricas. El estudio también se sustenta en entrevistas a Casanova divulgadas en prensa y en otras inéditas a sus familiares y allegados, así como en material de archivo. La investigación demostrará una correspondencia casi exacta entre los diferentes episodios e intereses de su vida, registrados en su autobiografía, y su legado. No obstante, a su vez, el examen constatará que, donde el texto de la artista «miente», pasa con aparente indiferencia u oculta determinados momentos clave de su existencia, son sus pinturas las que revelan su «yo» más íntimo, que solo puede hallarse en su plástica y no en su crónica.

Abstract Background The immunomodulatory oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) IMT504 might harbor antifibrotic properties within the liver. Methods Fibrosis models were induced in mice through thioacetamide (TAA) administration and bile-duct ligation. Cre-loxP mice were utilized to identify GLAST + Wnt1 + bone marrow stromal progenitors (BMSPs) and to examine their contribution with cells in the liver. In vivo and in vitro assays; flow-cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and qPCR were conducted. Results IMT504 demonstrated significant inhibition of liver fibrogenesis progression and reversal of established fibrosis. Early responses to IMT504 involved the suppression of profibrogenic and proinflammatory markers, coupled with an augmentation of hepatocyte proliferation. Additionally, this ODN stimulated the proliferation and mobilization of GLAST + Wnt1 + BMSPs, likely amplifying their contribution with endothelial- and hepatocytes-like cells. Moreover, IMT504 significantly modulated the expression levels of Wnt ligands and signaling pathway/target genes specifically within GLAST + Wnt1 + BMSPs, with minimal impact on other BMSPs. Intriguingly, both IMT504 and conditioned media from IMT504-pre-treated GLAST + Wnt1 + BMSPs shifted the phenotype of fibrotic macrophages, hepatic stellate cells, and hepatocytes, consistent with the potent antifibrotic effects observed. Conclusion In summary, our findings identify IMT504 as a promising candidate molecule with potent antifibrotic properties, operating through both direct and indirect mechanisms, including the activation of GLAST + Wnt1 + BMSPs.

Summary: Background: Surgical care holds significant importance in healthcare, especially in low and middle-income countries, as at least 50% of the 4.2 million deaths within the initial 30 days following surgery take place in these countries. The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery proposed six indicators to enhance surgical care. In Colombia, studies have been made using secondary data. However, strategies to reduce perioperative mortality have not been implemented. This study aims to describe the fourth indicator, perioperative mortality rate (POMR), with primary data in Colombia. Methods: A multicentre prospective cohort study was conducted across 54 centres (hospitals) in Colombia. Each centre selected a 7-day recruitment period between 05/2022 and 01/2023. Inclusion criteria involved patients over 18 years of age undergoing surgical procedures in operating rooms. Data quality was ensured through a verification guideline and statistical analysis using mixed-effects multilevel modelling with a case mix analysis of mortality by procedure-related, patient-related, and hospital-related conditions. Findings: 3807 patients were included with a median age of 48 (IQR 32–64), 80.3% were classified as ASA I or II, and 27% of the procedures had a low-surgical complexity. Leading procedures were Orthopedics (19.2%) and Gynaecology/Obstetrics (17.7%). According to the Clavien–Dindo scale, postoperative complications were distributed in major complications (11.7%, 10.68–12.76) and any complication (31.6%, 30.09–33.07). POMR stood at 1.9% (1.48–2.37), with elective and emergency surgery mortalities at 0.7% (0.40–1.23) and 3% (2.3–3.89) respectively. Interpretation: The POMR was higher than the ratio reported in previous national studies, even when patients had a low–risk profile and low-complexity procedures. The present research represents significant public health progress with valuable insights for national decision-makers to improve the quality of surgical care. Funding: This work was supported by Universidad del Rosario and Fundación Cardioinfantil-Instituto de Cardiología grant number CTO-057-2021, project-ID IV-FGV017.

Background: Ifosfamide-induced Fanconi syndrome is a relatively infrequent complication that generally occurs in young patients with a high cumulative dose of ifosfamide; and is commonly characterized by glycosuria, proteinuria, electrolyte abnormalities, and a normal anion gap metabolic acidosis. Case Presentation: In this study, we present the case of a 16-year-old male patient with of osteosarcoma of the right femur with pulmonary metastasis, who received ifosfamide as part of chemotherapy 1 year and 2 months ago and required hospitalization for cellulitis. During inpatient management, he presented with hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia, polyuria, glycosuria, and proteinuria, by which he was diagnosed with Fanconi syndrome and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, induced by ifosfamide. Management was focused on the control of the internal environment and use of potassium supplements and potassium-sparing diuretics. Conclusion: Patients receiving ifosfamide should be periodically monitored for kidney function and internal environment to detect any potential complications. It is thus important to carefully observe the cumulative dose of ifosfamide to prevent its associated nephrotoxicity, since its appearance can impoverish the prognosis in patients with neoplasms. Therefore, physicians should always be aware about the possibility of nephrotoxicity development.

Abstract Background SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia can cause significant long-term radiological changes, even resembling pulmonary fibrosis. However, the risk factors for these long-term effects are unknown. This study aims to assess radiological abnormalities and their possible risk factors six months after hospital discharge due to COVID-19 pneumonia. Material and methods This cross-sectional study in a tertiary hospital included adults admitted for COVID-19 pneumonia from March 2020 to February 2021, who underwent high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans of the chest six months after hospital discharge. The primary outcome was radiological abnormalities on HRCT, while the main explanatory variables were drawn from the patient’s medical history along with the disease course, analytical indicators, and the treatment received during admission. Results The 189 included patients had a mean age of 61.5 years; 70.9% were male, and hypertension was the main comorbidity (45%). About two-thirds (67.2%) presented acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Most (97.9%) received systemic corticosteroid therapy, and 81% presented pathological findings on HRCT, most commonly ground glass (63.5%), followed by bronchial dilatation (36%) and subpleural bands (25.4%). The multivariable analysis showed that age was the main risk factor, associated with most radiological changes. Other factors were the duration of corticosteroid therapy for ground glass (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.020) as well as a longer stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) (aOR 1.290) and high levels of IL-6 for bronchial dilation (aOR 1.002). Conclusion Radiological involvement of the lungs six months after COVID-19 pneumonia is frequent, especially ground glass. Elderly patients with prolonged ICU admission and a significant inflammatory response measured by IL-6 are more likely to present worse radiological evolution and are candidates for radiological follow-up after COVID-19 pneumonia.

Abstract The cell and molecular bases of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis, a crucial plant-fungal interaction for nutrient acquisition, have been extensively investigated by coupling traditional RNA sequencing techniques of roots sampled in bulk, with methods to capture subsets of cells such as laser microdissection. These approaches have revealed central regulators of this complex relationship, yet the requisite level of detail to effectively untangle the intricacies of temporal and spatial development remains elusive. The recent adoption of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) techniques in plant research is revolutionizing our ability to dissect the intricate transcriptional profiles of plant-microbe interactions, offering unparalleled insights into the diversity and dynamics of individual cells during symbiosis. The isolation of plant cells is particularly challenging due to the presence of cell walls, leading plant researchers to widely adopt nuclei isolation methods. Despite the increased resolution that single-cell analyses offer, it also comes at the cost of spatial perspective, hence, it is necessary the integration of these approaches with spatial transcriptomics to obtain a comprehensive overview. To date, few single-cell studies on plant-microbe interactions have been published, most of which provide high-resolution cell atlases that will become crucial for fully deciphering symbiotic interactions and addressing future questions. In AM symbiosis research, key processes such as the mutual recognition of partners during arbuscule development within cortical cells, or arbuscule senescence and degeneration, remain poorly understood, and these advancements are expected to shed light on these processes and contribute to a deeper understanding of this plant-fungal interaction.

Abstract Background With the increasing role of the Internet and social media, there are more significant opportunities for employees to express their opinions about the companies they work for more directly. A recognized job review website is Glassdoor.com, which collects employees’ opinions anonymously and the scores they give to companies. This descriptive study analyzes the assessment that employees give to companies by studying the advantages in their comments from the perspective of Happiness Management and Social Marketing. In this sense, this research aims to analyze how the main benefits offered by companies, are linked to the happiness of employees and to the actions of social marketing that companies develop affect the general satisfaction of employees. Methods This study has used in the worker comments, text mining, and inferential analysis techniques. The sample was divided into two blocks, with comments that refer to issues about social marketing and happiness. In each one, an inferential analysis was carried out using the Student’s T-test. This analysis allowed us to identify, in each sample of comments, in which advantages the differences in the mean ratings were significant depending on whether they were mentioned. Results The main results indicate that social marketing and happiness are linked to the advantages employees comment on in reviews on Glassdoor. Significant differences exist in the average ratings of certain advantages depending on whether they are mentioned or not in the comments. Likewise, the differentiation between comments on social marketing and happiness offers scientific evidence of the most valued advantages in each cluster. Specifically, the advantages grouped into the following dimensions are working conditions, company image, and social relations. Discussion This research contributes to happiness management theories by empirically demonstrating how positive work environments enhance productivity, loyalty, and creativity. These insights show how leadership quality, work-life balance, and recognition contribute to workplace happiness, enhancing productivity, loyalty, and creativity. Such feedback aids job seekers in making informed decisions, helps companies improve practices and attract talent, and provides researchers with valuable data on employment trends and corporate culture’s effect on employee well-being.

Abstract The extensive data generated on social media platforms allow us to gain insights over trending topics and public opinions. Additionally, it offers a window into user behavior, including their content engagement and news sharing habits. In this study, we analyze the relationship between users’ political ideologies and the news they share during Argentina’s 2019 election period. Our findings reveal that users predominantly share news that aligns with their political beliefs, despite accessing media outlets with diverse political leanings. Moreover, we observe a consistent pattern of users sharing articles related to topics biased to their preferred candidates, highlighting a deeper level of political alignment in online discussions. We believe that this systematic analysis framework can be applied to similar scenarios in different countries, especially those marked by significant political polarization, akin to Argentina.

Abstract Background Digital technologies, such as wearable devices and smartphone applications (apps), can enable the decentralisation of clinical trials by measuring endpoints in people’s chosen locations rather than in traditional clinical settings. Digital endpoints can allow high-frequency and sensitive measurements of health outcomes compared to visit-based endpoints which provide an episodic snapshot of a person’s health. However, there are underexplored challenges in this emerging space that require interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaboration. A multi-stakeholder Knowledge Exchange event was organised to facilitate conversations across silos within this research ecosystem. Methods A survey was sent to an initial list of stakeholders to identify potential discussion topics. Additional stakeholders were identified through iterative discussions on perspectives that needed representation. Co-design meetings with attendees were held to discuss the scope, format and ethos of the event. The event itself featured a cross-disciplinary selection of talks, a panel discussion, small-group discussions facilitated via a rolling seating plan and audience participation via Slido. A transcript was generated from the day, which, together with the output from Slido, provided a record of the day’s discussions. Finally, meetings were held following the event to identify the key challenges for digital endpoints which emerged and reflections and recommendations for dissemination. Results Several challenges for digital endpoints were identified in the following areas: patient adherence and acceptability; algorithms and software for devices; design, analysis and conduct of clinical trials with digital endpoints; the environmental impact of digital endpoints; and the need for ongoing ethical support. Learnings taken for next generation events include the need to include additional stakeholder perspectives, such as those of funders and regulators, and the need for additional resources and facilitation to allow patient and public contributors to engage meaningfully during the event. Conclusions The event emphasised the importance of consortium building and highlighted the critical role that collaborative, multi-disciplinary, and cross-sector efforts play in driving innovation in research design and strategic partnership building moving forward. This necessitates enhanced recognition by funders to support multi-stakeholder projects with patient involvement, standardised terminology, and the utilisation of open-source software.

El Modelado de Información de Construcción (BIM, por sus siglas en inglés) ha transformado radicalmente la industria de la arquitectura al permitir una gestión integral de proyectos desde su concepción hasta su mantenimiento. Este artículo explora el impacto de BIM en la eficiencia y sostenibilidad de los proyectos arquitectónicos. A través de una investigación exhaustiva y el análisis de casos de estudio, se demuestra que BIM mejora la coordinación entre equipos, reduce errores de diseño y facilita la integración de sistemas sostenibles. La adopción de BIM resulta en una mayor precisión en la fase de diseño, lo que conduce a una disminución de costos y tiempos de construcción. Además, BIM facilita la identificación y resolución temprana de conflictos, lo que promueve la eficiencia en la ejecución del proyecto. Igualmente, BIM contribuye a la sostenibilidad al permitir la simulación de impactos ambientales y la optimización de recursos energéticos. La colaboración multidisciplinaria es clave para aprovechar al máximo los beneficios de BIM, subrayando la importancia de la educación continua y la estandarización de procesos en la industria de la construcción. En conclusión, BIM se consolida como una herramienta esencial para el diseño y la construcción de edificios eficientes y sostenibles. A pesar de los desafíos persistentes, como la interoperabilidad de datos y la resistencia al cambio, es fundamental abordarlos para lograr la plena implementación de BIM en la práctica arquitectónica y constructiva.

In recent years, air sac parasitic helminths have been reported to cause severe disease in birds. In addition, various species appear to be expanding and infecting new avian hosts in various regions worldwide. In this context, an air sac nematode was initially detected in 2014 infecting the Eurasian scops owl, hospitalized in the local wildlife hospital in Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Spain). Years later, the parasite was detected in 2 other owl species. Air sac nematodes had never been reported in the Mallorcan Strigiformes before. A comprehensive molecular and morphological characterization analysis, including scanning electron microscopy, was required for species confirmation. The species was identified as Lissonema sicki, a parasite infrequently reported in South American owls. Since its first introduction to Mallorca, it has dramatically increased in prevalence in hospitalized birds, being highly prevalent in the Eurasian scops owl (41%), in the long-eared owl (11%) and in the barn owl (4%). The introduction pathway of this parasite to Europe remains unknown. This discovery underscores the expanding range and impact of L. sicki, emphasizing the importance of ongoing surveillance and research to comprehend and manage the implications of its emergence in new territories.

Purpose – The purpose of this study was to uncover representative emergent areas and to examine the research area of marketing, tourism and big data (BD) to assess how these thematic areas have developed over a 27-year time period from 1996 to 2022. This study analyzed 1,152 studies to identify the principal thematic areas and emergent topics, principal theories used, predominant forms of analysis and the most productive authors in terms of research. Design/methodology/approach – The articles for this research were all selected from the Web of Science database. A systematic and quantitative literature review was performed. This study used SciMAT software to extract indicators. Specifically, this study analyzed productivity and produced a science map. Findings – The findings suggest that interest in this area has increased gradually. The outputs also reveal the innovative effort of industry in new technologies for developing models for tourism marketing. Ten research areas were identified: “destination marketing,” “mobility patterns,” “co-creation,” “gastronomy,” “sustainability,” “tourist behavior,” “market segmentation,” “artificial neural networks,” “pricing” and “tourist satisfaction.” Originality/value – This work is unique in proposing an agenda for future research into tourism marketing research with new technologies such as BD and artificial intelligence techniques. In addition, the results presented here fill the current gap in the research since while there have been literature reviews covering tourism with BD or marketing, these areas have not been studied as a whole. Propósito – El objetivo de esta investigación fue descubrir nichos representativos de áreas emergentes y examinar el área de Marketing, Turismo y Big Data, evaluando cómo han evolucionado estas áreas temáticas durante un período de 27 años desde 1996–2022. Analizamos 1.152 investigaciones para identificar las principales áreas temáticas y temas emergentes, las principales teorías utilizadas, las formas de análisis predominantes y los autores más productivos en términos de investigación. Metodología – Todos los artículos para esta investigación fueron seleccionados de la base de datos Web of Science. Realizamos una revisión sistemática y cuantitativa de la literatura. Utilizamos el software SciMAT para extraer indicadores. Específicamente, analizamos la productividad y elaboramos un mapeo científico. Hallazgos – Los hallazgos sugieren que el interés en esta área ha aumentado gradualmente. Los resultados también revelan el esfuerzo innovador de la industria en nuevas tecnologías para desarrollar modelos de marketing turístico. Se identificaron diez áreas de investigación (“marketing de destinos”, “patrones de movilidad”, “co-creación”, “gastronomía”, “sostenibilidad”, “comportamiento turístico”, “segmentación de mercado”, “redes neuronales artificiales”, “precios”, y “satisfacción del turista”). Valor – Este trabajo es único al proponer una agenda para futuras investigaciones en investigación de Marketing Turístico con nuevas tecnologías como Big Data y técnicas de Inteligencia Artificial. Además, los resultados presentados aquí llenan el vacío actual en la investigación ya que si bien se han realizado revisiones de literatura que cubren Turismo con Big Data o Marketing, estas áreas no se han estudiado como un conjunto. 目的 – 这一特定研究领域的目标是发现具有代表性的新兴领域, 并考察市场营销、旅游和大数据研究领域, 以评估这些主题领域在1996年至2022年的27年间是如何发展的。我们分析了1152项研究, 以确定主要专题领域和新兴主题、使用的主要理论、主要的分析形式以及在研究方面最有成效的作者。 方法 – 本研究的文章都是从Web of Science数据库中选出的。我们进行了系统化的定量文献审查, 并使用SciMAT软件来提取指标。具体来说, 我们分析了生产力并制作了一个科学研究地图。 研究结果 – 研究结果表明, 人们对这一领域的兴趣已经逐渐增加。本文也揭示了工业界在开发旅游营销模式的新技术方面的创新努力。研究确定了十个研究领域：“目的地营销”、“流动模式”、“共同创造”、“美食”、“可持续性”、“游客行为”、“市场细分”、“人工神经网络”、“定价 “和游客满意度”。 原创性 – 这项研究的独特之处在于提出了未来利用大数据和人工智能技术等新技术进行旅游营销研究的议程。此外, 本文的结果填补了目前的研究空白, 因为虽然有文献综述涉及旅游与大数据或市场营销, 但这些领域还没有被作为一个整体来研究。

Abstract Introduction The consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis is a public health problem that impacts the cognitive, social, and emotional development of adolescents. Prevention strategies such as the “Unplugged” program are effective in delaying the progression of daily smoking and episodes of drunkenness among adolescents. “Yo Se Lo Que Quiero” (YSLQQ) corresponds to the adaptation of this program to the Chilean context. This study assesses the acceptability and feasibility of implementing this program to the local reality. Material and methods This was a cluster-randomized controlled pilot study conducted on six public schools. All consented students attending 6th, 7th, and 8th grades (n = 1,180) participated in the study. The schools were randomly assigned to one of two conditions in a 1:1 ratio: (1) the “YSLQQ” intervention group (n = 526), and (2) the Control group (n = 654). The program consisted of a 12-hour class-based curriculum based on a comprehensive social-influence approach delivered by a trained facilitator. The acceptability and feasibility were assessed in the intervention group at the end of the intervention using questionnaires answered by students and facilitators. The quality and fidelity of the program were evaluated during the implementation using self-ported surveys answered by the facilitators and the assessment of video-recorded sessions rated by external observers. Finally, a pre-test and a post-test survey assessing past and current substance use and risk and protective factors were conducted before and immediately after the program’s implementation. Results A high proportion of students (49.6%) liked the sessions. 79.2% reported that the YSLQQ helped them learn about the dangers of substances, while 65.8% reported having more skills to avoid substance use in the future. Regarding students’ satisfaction with YSLQQ, 62.9% reported being happy or very happy with the program. Facilitators reported implementing the intervention according to the manual in 73.9% of sessions. Regarding substance use, students who participated in the intervention groups reported a significant reduction in drunkenness in the last year and last 30-day prevalence and also a significant reduction in a lifetime and 30-day prevalence of cannabis use when compared with those students in the control group. Conclusions Our results suggest that YSLQQ has adequate acceptability and feasibility to be implemented in the Chilean context, and there were promising results in reducing drunkenness and cannabis use. Future research should confirm these results in a larger RCT study. Trial registration The trial was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04566627; registration date: 01/03/2019

Effective long-term management of invasive non-native species (INNS) in South America is a pressing yet complex task. Critically, the environmental, historical, cultural, and economic idiosyncrasies of the region call for the inclusion of a plurality of views from those sectors of society receiving the negative and positive impacts of INNS. This is a multifaceted, and often daunting, task that can be aided by an early identification of stakeholders – those affected by or with an interest in INNS and their management – accompanied by targeted stakeholder engagement. Here, we report the procedures and results of a stakeholder mapping activity aimed at identifying stakeholders and designing engagement strategies. Using expert knowledge procedures, we compiled comprehensive lists of stakeholders for six case-studies in South America: (i) invasive grasses (Urochloa spp.) in Brazil; (ii) glossy privet (Ligustrum lucidum) in Argentina; (iii) lodgepole and Monterey pines (Pinus contorta and P. radiata) in Argentina; (iv) American mink (Neogale vison) in Argentina and Chile; (v) lodgepole and Monterey pines in Chile; and (vi) German yellow-jacket (Vespula germanica) in Chile. Overall, we identified 250 stakeholders, which, based on their interest and influence, were classified into “context settlers” (2%), “key players” (47%), “crowd” (5%), and “subjects” (49%). We outlined strategies to engage with each of these four groups and for each of our six case-studies. Across case studies, communication with stakeholders was the most common engagement strategy proposed (27%; 19 of 70 strategies), followed by active involvement of stakeholders in INNS research and management (23%). Our results highlight the importance of considering power imbalances, as those stakeholders more likely to benefit from INNS were assessed to have more influence over INNS management relative to local and indigenous communities. Our work illustrates how to identify stakeholders in a rigorous and rapid manner, which should be complemented with the involvement of the stakeholders themselves.

Introduction: The use of integrase inhibitors within highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has demonstrated benefits for individuals living with HIV. However, most comparisons are based on effectiveness against viral replication, with limited information on their impact on the immune system. Objective: To identify immunological outcomes in studies comparing in- tegrase inhibitors (INSTIs) with other drugs used as third agents in HAART. Methods: Systematic review of studies reporting patients treated with INS- TIs versus non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) or pro-tease inhibitors (PIs) as the third drug in HAART. Immunological reconstitution outcomes were assessed, including CD4+ T lymphocyte count, CD4/ CD8 ratio, serum concentration of sCD14, D-dimer, and C-reactive protein, as well as the frequency and phenotype of T cells, functional capacity of T cells, and proviral DNA. Results: A total of 2804 studies were screened, 59 were evaluated in full text and four were included in the synthesis. A cohort study reported normalization of the CD4/CD8 ratio in patients initiating treatment with INSTIs compared to PIs or NNRTIs. However, this finding was not consistently replicated in other studies, and in one of them, this ratio was higher in those receiving efavirenz vs. dolutegravir. No evidence was found for other outcomes. Conclusions: The analyzed studies are inconclusive regarding differences in immunological reconstitution between INSTIs vs. PIs and NNRTIs.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La pandemia por COVID-19 condujo a la adopción de medidas de confinamiento con impacto en el control de la diabetes mellitus (DM). El objetivo fue evaluar el efecto de la pandemia en la atención de personas con DM del subsector público y privado de salud del Partido de General Pueyrredon (PGP). MÉTODOS: Se utilizó un diseño cuasiexperimental que comparó dos períodos: pandemia (3 de marzo de 2020 al 2 de marzo de 2021) y prepandemia (3 de marzo de 2019 al 2 de marzo de 2020). Se incluyó a personas de 18 años y más del PGP con diagnóstico de DM; se conformaron dos grupos según cobertura de salud. Los criterios de valoración principal fueron la hemoglobina glicosilada (HbA1c) y el control metabólico; los secundarios: glucemia basal, índice de masa corporal (IMC), triglicéridos, colesterol, consultas médicas, internación, fondo de ojo e índice albúmina/creatinina. Las diferencias con valor p

Background and Objectives: SARS-CoV-2 is the pathogen that causes COVID-19 disease. Although the rate of COVID-19 reinfection is significant, the possible factors associated with this condition remain to be fully elucidated. The aim of the study was to identify clinical and serological factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 reinfection. Materials and Methods: We followed up on 120 patients with mild COVID-19 for one year. Various clinical data were collected, and serum levels of IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 Spike antibodies were tested on days 21, 60, 90, and 180. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was based on symptomatology and the detection of viral RNA in nasal swabs using real-time PCR. Results: We observed eleven episodes of reinfection. Although no clinical or demographic characteristics were associated with reinfection, significantly higher levels of anti-Spike antibodies and a seropositive status at day 90 were significantly associated with the absence of reinfection. Moreover, the symptoms during the COVID-19 episode associated with seropositivity at day 90 were mainly headache, sneezing, anosmia, and runny nose. Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 reinfection is not associated with the clinical or demographic characteristics of COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, our findings suggest that the presence and levels of IgG anti-Spike antibodies at day 90 of infection play a protective role against reinfection. Serological immunity at day 90 influences the response to vaccination.

El objetivo es analizar los procesos de cambio poblacional en los pueblos pequeños (1-2.000 habitantes) y grandes (2.000-20.000 habitantes) de la provincia de Buenos Aires entre 1991 y 2010 y explorar las diferencias en relación con la accesibilidad (medida por distancia a la ruta principal y tiempo de viaje a una ciudad de 50.000 habitantes o más). La principal fuente de datos son los Censos Nacionales de Población (INDEC). Se trabaja con técnicas cuantitativas y sistemas de información geográfica. Los resultados muestran que ni el despoblamiento ni el crecimiento de los pueblos son procesos homogéneos con lo cual las diferenciaciones demográficas se vinculan también con factores como la accesibilidad y el consecuente acceso a servicios o prestaciones necesarias para la vida cotidiana.

Abstract Introducion The concept of a window of opportunity in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) management suggests that early initiation of biological therapy leads to better outcomes, though its timing remains uncertain. Methods We conducted a retrospective observational multicenter study, including consecutive patients with moderate to severe HS who initiated secukinumab treatment following prior failure with systemic antibiotics or adalimumab. Therapeutic burden was defined as the sum of previous systemic treatment cycles and previous major surgical interventions for HS. Patients were followed up for 24 weeks. Main outcomes were safety and effectiveness, assessed through the proportion of patients achieving HS Clinical Response (HiSCR) and a 55% reduction in International HS Severity Score System (IHS4-55). Additionally, potential predictors of response to secukinumab were studied. Analysis was performed on an intention-to-treat basis. Results A total of 67 patients (33 men, 34 women) were included, with a mean age of 41.55 (11.94) years and a mean baseline IHS4 of 17.88 (11.13). The mean therapeutic burden was 6.06 (3.49). At week 24, 10.45% (7/67) of patients experienced adverse events, with three leading to treatment discontinuation. At week 24, 41.79% (28/67) of patients achieved HiSCR, and 44.78% (30/67) of patients achieved IHS4-55. HiSCR could not be calculated in 12 patients with a baseline AN count

Abstract Background Soybean establishes a mutualistic interaction with nitrogen-fixing rhizobacteria, acquiring most of its nitrogen requirements through symbiotic nitrogen fixation. This crop is susceptible to water deficit; evidence suggests that its nodulation status—whether it is nodulated or not—can influence how it responds to water deficit. The translational control step of gene expression has proven relevant in plants subjected to water deficit. Results Here, we analyzed soybean roots’ differential responses to water deficit at transcriptional, translational, and mixed (transcriptional + translational) levels. Thus, the transcriptome and translatome of four combined-treated soybean roots were analyzed. We found hormone metabolism-related genes among the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at the translatome level in nodulated and water-restricted plants. Also, weighted gene co-expression network analysis followed by differential expression analysis identified gene modules associated with nodulation and water deficit conditions. Protein-protein interaction network analysis was performed for subsets of mixed DEGs of the modules associated with the plant responses to nodulation, water deficit, or their combination. Conclusions Our research reveals that the stand-out processes and pathways in the before-mentioned plant responses partially differ; terms related to glutathione metabolism and hormone signal transduction (2 C protein phosphatases) were associated with the response to water deficit, terms related to transmembrane transport, response to abscisic acid, pigment metabolic process were associated with the response to nodulation plus water deficit. Still, two processes were common: galactose metabolism and branched-chain amino acid catabolism. A comprehensive analysis of these processes could lead to identifying new sources of tolerance to drought in soybean.

Antecedentes: La integración de la tecnología en la educación médica ha transformado significativamente la enseñanza de la morfología, una disciplina fundamental en las ciencias de la salud. El objetivo de esta revisión sistemática es descubrir las herramientas tecnológicas que se reportan en la literatura para la enseñanza de la morfología en la educación médica y evaluar su influencia en los estudiantes. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo una revisión sistemática siguiendo las directrices PRISMA 2020. Las búsquedas se realizaron en las bases de datos Web of Science y SCOPUS, enfocándose en estudios publicados entre 2009 y 2024. Se incluyeron artículos que examinaran el uso de la tecnología en la enseñanza de la morfología y que proporcionaran resultados cuantitativos o cualitativos comparando el uso de tecnología con métodos tradicionales. Resultados: Se identificaron un total de 87 artículos, de los cuales 12 estudios fueron incluidos en el análisis final. El uso de microscopios digitales y virtuales, modelos 3D, plataformas interactivas y recursos en línea mostró una mejora significativa en el rendimiento académico y la satisfacción de los estudiantes. Además, estas tecnologías mejoraron las habilidades técnicas y espaciales, promoviendo la participación activa y la autonomía estudiantil. Sin embargo, dos estudios no reportaron diferencias significativas en los resultados académicos. Conclusiones: La literatura reporta una influencia positiva en el aprendizaje de la morfología, mejorando aspectos como rendimiento académico y la participación estudiantil. Las futuras investigaciones deberían enfocarse en los impactos a largo plazo y en enfoques personalizados para optimizar el uso de la tecnología en la educación médica.

IntroductionHematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) has become an essential therapeutic modality for pediatric patients with malignant and non-malignant conditions. Despite its effectiveness, many patients experience post-transplant complications often leading into life-threatening conditions requiring specialized care in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). This study aims to describe clinical characteristics associated with mortality in pediatric HCT patients who needed PICU care within 100 days post-transplant in a resource-limited country.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted involving pediatric HCT patients ( 20 (p

Introdução: A artrite séptica (AS) é um motivo frequente de consulta e internação em pediatria. O tratamento inicial depende de intervenção cirúrgica diagnóstica e terapêutica precoce e terapia antimicrobiana adequada. Os testes moleculares estão mudando o paradigma da microbiologia diagnóstica, fornecendo identificação rápida e precisa, permitindo a otimização precoce do tratamento antibiótico. Objetivos: Descrever a experiência na utilização do painel de reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) multiplex BIOFIRE® Joint Infection (JI) no diagnóstico e tratamento da AS em pediatria. Material e métodos: Estudo descritivo retrospectivo de pacientes menores de 16 anos, com diagnóstico de AS, de novembro de 2022 a março de 2024. As amostras de líquido sinovial (LS) foram cultivadas nos meios usuais e processadas usando o painel BIOFIRE® JI. De acordo com epidemiologia, as amostras para cultura de micobactérias e PCR Genexpert® foram derivadas para Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC). Resultados: Foram incluídos 33 pacientes com AS, 20 (60,6%) do sexo masculino; idade mediana 34 meses (RIC 15.5-70). As articulações mais afetadas foram joelho (n = 19) e quadril (n = 11). Isolamento microbiológico foi obtido em 45,4% das amostras (n = 15). O painel BIOFIRE® JI detectou microrganismos em uma proporção significativamente maior (13/15 amostras) em comparação com a cultura tradicional (6/15 amostras). Isolamentos não detectados pelo painel BIOFIRE® JI (2/15 amostras) foram positivos para MTBC por PCR Genexpert® (microrganismo não incluído). O principal germe etiológico foi Kingella kingae (Kk) (n = 5), seguido por Staphylococcus aureus (n = 3), Streptococcus pyogenes (n = 3), Escherichia coli (n = 1) e Clostridium perfringens (n = 1). A partir do resultado do painel BIOFIRE® JI, o tratamento antimicrobiano foi ajustado precocemente em 25 pacientes (75,7%), diminuindo ou ajustando de acordo com o isolamento em resultados positivos (n = 12) e suspendendo antibioticoterapia (n = 9) ou não iniciando o tratamento antibiótico em resultados negativos (n = 4). Conclusões: O painel BIOFIRE® JI já foi de grande utilidade para a detectar os microrganismos em LS em relação ao cultivo, permitindo documentar Kk como o primeiro germe causal de AS em pediatria. A terapia antimicrobiana foi adequada em mais de 70% dos pacientes estudados, mesmo diante de resultados negativos. Palavras-chave: Artrite Séptica, Crianças, Kingella kingae. Conflitos de interesse: Sem conflitos. Ética e financiamentos: Não houve.

IntroductionUropathogenic bacteria employ multiple strategies to colonize the urinary tract, including biofilm formation, invasion of urothelial cells, and the production of adhesins, toxins, and siderophores. Among the most prevalent pathogens causing urinary tract infections (UTIs) are Uropathogenic Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis. A notable feature of Gram-negative bacteria is their ability to produce outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), which play critical roles in bacterial survival, virulence, and host-pathogen interactions, including UTIs.MethodsIn this study, OMVs were isolated and characterized from two clinical strains, E. coli U144 and P. mirabilis 2,921, cultured in both Luria-Bertani broth and artificial urine.Result and discussionThe OMVs ranged in size from 85 to 260 nm, with the largest vesicles observed in artificial urine. Proteomic analysis allowed the identification of 282 proteins in OMVs from E. coli and 353 proteins from P. mirabilis when cultured LB medium, while 215 were identified from E. coli and 103 from P. mirabilis when cultured in artificial urine. The majority of these proteins originated from the bacterial envelope, while others were linked to motility and adhesion. Notably, the protein composition of OMVs varied depending on the growth medium, and proteins associated with zinc and iron uptake being more prominent in artificial urine, suggesting their importance in the urinary environment. Crucially, this is the first report to characterize P. mirabilis OMVs under different culture conditions, offering novel insights into the role of OMVs in UTI pathogenesis. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which OMVs contribute to bacterial virulence, establishing the foundation for potential therapeutic interventions targeting OMV-mediated processes in UTIs.

El modo de habitar maya ofrece una mirada diferente de ser y de estar en el mundo. Expresa, a través de sus particularidades en el uso del espacio y su concepción, una relación dialéctica entre los universos natural y edificado, donde lo uno y lo otro, reposan sobre la tierra, se rigen por los ciclos marcados por los astros, tienen vida y son sagrados. La trascendencia de esta relación ancestral, sigue vigente y cobra importancia en el mundo contemporáneo por su antagonismo con la visión imperante que separa y marca límites muy claros entre dichos universos.

La incorporación de los números enteros en la enseñanza de las matemáticas supone una ruptura con la representación de número construida a partir de los números naturales e implica un cambio profundo en el pensamiento matemático de los alumnos. En esta investigación se estudia la incorporación de los números enteros en la enseñanza, analizando las respuestas de 266 alumnos de 6.º de Primaria y de 1.º de Secundaria a un cuestionario en el que deben identificar e interpretar dos tipos de situaciones (estado y aditiva) expresadas en tres dimensiones (abstracta, recta y contextual) y las transferencias entre las dimensiones. A partir de los resultados se conjetura la persistencia del obstáculo epistemológico del número como expresión de cantidad, las dificultades para diferenciar los distintos significados del signo menos y los obstáculos didácticos de una enseñanza, con frecuencia, descontextualizada que prima el cálculo operacional y relega la recta numérica.

En este trabajo se presentan resultados sobre el estado nutricional en comunidades qom y wichí de la provincia de Formosa. Nuestro enfoque se enmarca en la antropología biológica e intenta entender el crecimiento infantil como un resultado del diálogo entre lo biológico y lo sociocultural. Los qom y los wichí son pueblos originarios de la región del Gran Chaco cuyo estilo de vida era tradicionalmente cazador-recolector. En la actualidad, estas comunidades se encuentran en franco proceso de transición económica, sociocultural, demográfica y epidemiológica. El actual trabajo se ha centrado en una población peri-urbana qom de la ciudad de Formosa y poblaciones rurales qom y wichí del oeste formoseño, la muestra está constituida por lactantes y niños y niñas hasta los 18 años. En general, los lactantes qom, quienes en su gran mayoría son amamantados exclusivamente hasta los 6 meses, tienen una curva de crecimiento por encima de las curvas estándares de la OMS. Se observaron trayectorias de crecimiento diferentes entre los qom y los wichí. Si bien comparten la misma ecología y relativa condición socioeconómica, los niños y niñas wichí tienden a tener índices más desfavorables de crecimiento. En esta oportunidad se hará referencia a posibles interpretaciones evolutivas y biosociales para entender estas diferencias en las trayectorias de crecimiento e incorporará datos etnográficos relevantes para entender los patrones actuales de crecimiento.

Abstract Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are synthetic diesters derived from o‐phthalic acid, commonly used as plasticizers. These compounds pose significant environmental and health risks due to their ability to leach into the environment and act as endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, and mutagens. Consequently, PAEs are now considered major emerging contaminants and priority pollutants. Microbial degradation, primarily by bacteria and fungi, offers a promising method for PAEs bioremediation. This article highlights the current state of microbial PAEs degradation, focusing on the major bottlenecks and associated challenges. These include the identification of novel and more efficient PAE hydrolases to address the complexity of PAE mixtures in the environment, understanding PAEs uptake mechanisms, characterizing novel o‐phthalate degradation pathways, and studying the regulatory network that controls the expression of PAE degradation genes. Future research directions include mitigating the impact of PAEs on health and ecosystems, developing biosensors for monitoring and measuring bioavailable PAEs concentrations, and valorizing these residues into other products of industrial interest, among others.

Introducción: La Epilepsia autolimitada con espigas centrotemporales (EA-ECT), es un síndrome epiléptico que se presenta en la etapa pre-escolar y escolar caracterizado por crisis epilépticas focales somatosensoriales a bitaletal tónica clónica y a nivel de electroencefalograma por puntas centrotemporales bilateral, que se activan durante el sueño. Según Lundberg y colaboradores se ha evidenciado asimetría de hipocampos en la resonancia magnética nuclear cerebral (RMNC). Reporte de caso: Paciente masculino de 5 años, quién presentó una primocrisis durante el sueño, de inicio desconocido, dada por movimientos tónico- clónicos bilaterales, sonidos guturales acompañado de retroversión ocular y relajación de esfínteres, menor a 1 minuto de duración. Conclusiones: La EA-ECT aparece desde los 3 a 15 años. Presentándose como crisis epilépticas focales a bilateral durante el sueño, con alteraciones en el EEG, asociándose también en la RMNC asimetría de hipocampos. Es una epilepsia autolimitada o farmacorrespondedora de la infancia.

BackgroundRespiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common cause of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) and hospitalization worldwide. The impact of RSV in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) including expensive treatment options, such as palivizumab, have been extensively discussed. However, publications on the impact of RSV disease burden in the region are scarce. This systematic review aimed to determine the incidence and prevalence of RSV in LAC by age and RSV subtype.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review following Cochrane methods to evaluate the disease burden of RSV in LAC countries. We searched studies from January 2012 to January 2023 in literature databases and grey literature without language restrictions. We included guidelines, observational, economic, and surveillance studies from LAC countries. Pairs of reviewers independently selected, and extracted data from included studies. The risk of bias was assessed using the Study Quality Assessment Tools (NHLBI) and AGREE-II. We performed proportion meta-analyses using methods to stabilize the variance. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023393731).ResultsWe included 156 studies, mainly from Brazil (25%), Colombia (14.5%), and Argentina (13.8%), as well as four clinical practice guidelines. Most studies were cross-sectional (76.9%) and were classified as low risk of bias (52.6%). The majority included inpatients (85.6%), pediatric (73.7%), and normal-risk patients (67.1%). The highest pooled prevalence was estimated in patients 65 years old high-risk patients. The identified guidelines lack methodological rigor and have limitations in their applicability. The seasonality was more evident in South America than in Central America and The Caribbean, with a clear gap during the pandemic.ConclusionThis is the most exhaustive and updated body of evidence describing a significant burden of RSV in LAC, particularly at the extremes of life, and its seasonality patterns. Our findings could contribute could contribute facilitating effective prevention and treatment strategies for this significant public health problem.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD UK (registration number: CRD42023393731).

BackgroundDNA polymerase theta (POLQ) is a translesion synthesis polymerase essential for the repair of double strand breaks by the error-prone TMEJ (Theta Mediated End Joining) pathway. Although POLQ participates in maintaining genome stability, several studies have shown that its overexpression correlates with cancer progression and poor prognosis. Due to the fact that its role as a biomarker in pancreatic cancer remains unexplored, we aimed to study the usefulness of POLQ H-score as a prognostic factor in a pancreatic cancer patient cohort.MethodsWe evaluated POLQ gene expression using a web-based tool to deliver gene expression profiling and interactive analyses based on TCGA and GTEx (GEPIA) and we examined the POLQ immunostaining in 152 biliopancreatic cancer surgical specimens using tissue microarrays. Association with survival was evaluated by Kaplan Meier curves and uni-multivariate Cox regression.ResultsGEPIA analysis showed statistical differences according to POLQ mRNA levels in Disease Free Survival (DFS) (log rank 0.023, HR 2.8, p=0.029) and Overall Survival (OS) (log rank 0.011, HR 3.1, p=0.016). For immunohistochemistry (IHC) evaluation, POLQ H-score was calculated, and showed statistical differences for OS in Kaplan Meier curves (log rank 0.001) and uni-multivariate analysis (HR 2.27; 95% CI 1.24-4.15, p=0.008).ConclusionsOur results indicate that POLQ is an independent prognostic factor in pancreatic cancer when analyzed by immunostaining, which is in agreement with the results shown by the POLQ gene expression analysis (GEPIA).

Background: Vascular malformations (VaMs) are caused by errors in vascular morphogenesis. Diagnosis and treatment can be complex. Few specialized centers care for these patients, and limited literature exists regarding their characteristics and clinical course. The vascular anomalies clinic (VAC) at the Instituto Nacional de Pediatría (National Institute for Pediatrics) is a multidisciplinary team and has been a reference center for patients with VaMs since 2012. We sought to describe the characteristics of patients cared for at the VAC, types of VaMs, treatments used, and clinical course. Methods: This was a descriptive, observational, retrospective, and cross-sectional study conducted from 2012 to 2022. Results: We included 435 patients with VaMs; the median age of presentation was 1 month. The most frequent signs and symptoms were increased volume (97.2%), superficial color change (65.5%), and pain (43.3%). The most common VaMs were lymphatic (36.7%) and venolymphatic (18.3%). Sclerotherapy was the most frequent treatment (73.4%), followed by medical treatment with sirolimus (18.5%); response to both was excellent/good in > 85% of cases. Conclusion: In this retrospective study of children with VaMs, we found that low-flow malformations were the most common, and sclerotherapy and sirolimus were the most frequently used treatments. The therapeutic response was excellent/good in most cases.

Este artículo se desprende de una tesis doctoral y pretende explorar cómo intervienen los factores sociales en la elección de la profesión docente de estudiantes universitarios ecuatorianos. Para este fin, se utilizó una metodología con un enfoque mixto secuencial explicativo. Inicialmente, se realizó una encuesta para conocer las características sociodemográficas de 362 estudiantes de primer año de Educación Básica de dos universidades públicas. En un segundo momento, basándose en los resultados de la encuesta, se seleccionaron seis estudiantes para abordar su elección profesional docente mediante una entrevista en profundidad. Los resultados muestran que la docencia es una opción de elección vocacional viable para este grupo y que la presencia de docentes en la familia, la biografía escolar y experiencias previas en educación actúan como factores desencadenantes de la elección docente en un contexto en el que, en algunos casos, existe disuasión social.

Introduction: Estimating the prevalence of second-hand tobacco smoke exposure is a public health priority while evaluating the population-attributable disease burden and impact of smoking bans. We conducted a systematic review to analyze how secondhand tobacco smoke exposure has been assessed, and how its prevalence has been estimated among the Portuguese population since the implementation of the partial smoking ban in 2008. Methods: A literature search was conducted in the Web of Science, MEDLINE and Embase databases until November 2022, applying a pre-designed search strategy and following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The search was not restricted by study period, study design, sample size or language, and was complemented by a manual literature search. A modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess the quality of the studies. Results: Thirteen cross-sectional studies were included. The prevalence of second-hand tobacco smoke exposure among the three European studies ranged from 8.2% (adult population exposed at home in 2010) to 93.3% (adolescent/adult population exposed in bar/restaurant terraces in 2016). Three nationwide studies estimated children’s exposure at home: ranging from 32.6% in 2010 - 2011 to 14.4% in 2016. According to the most recent studies, 49.8% of women living in Porto were exposed during the third trimester of pregnancy in 2010 - 2011; 32.6% and 38.4% of children were exposed at home, respectively in Lisbon and the Azores. Conclusion: A significant proportion of the Portuguese population, especially children and pregnant women, remain exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke. A comprehensive smoke-free policy is needed, not only in outdoor public places, but also in indoor private settings.

Introduction Fulvestrant demonstrated benefits in overall survival and progression-free survival in patients with advanced breast cancer, who are hormone receptor-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative. The characteristics, evolution, and survival of patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer treated with fulvestrant were evaluated according to the national treatment coverage protocols of the National Resources Fund, with the aim of understanding the efficacy of fulvestrant in patients treated in usual clinical practice and comparing our results with those from pivotal studies. Methods A database from the National Resources Fund covering the period from 2009 to 2022 was used. Survival curves were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and differences were analyzed using the Log-Rank test. Results A total of 1085 patients with an average age of 63,66 years were included. Following a follow-up of 14 months, the median overall survival was 16 months, and the median progression-free survival was 6 months. The presence of liver and bone metastases was associated with a shorter overall survival. Patients from the public sector and those with a better performance status experienced longer overall survival. Conclusions Our findings provide a valuable perspective for treatment management in a context of limited resources. Overall survival and progression-free survival were somewhat lower than those reported in pivotal clinical trials. The presence of liver and bone metastases was associated with worse prognosis and survival; additionally, patients with worse performance status had shorter overall survival. These findings underscore the need for personalized therapies, opening new lines of future research.

Background and objectives: Second-line treatment for small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is primarily guided by the time elapsed since the last platinum dose. Rechallenge with carboplatin and etoposide has demonstrated superior outcomes compared to topotecan if the platinum-free interval (PFI) is longer than 90 days and is considered the standard of care. However, these findings predate the chemo-immunotherapy era. This study investigates the effectiveness of the rechallenge strategy after chemo-immunotherapy in a real-world setting. Design and methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with the extensive stage (ES)-SCLC who received rechallenge with carboplatin and etoposide after first-line chemoimmunotherapy between September 2020 and August 2023 in nine European centres. Demographic and clinical data were collected and analysed. Results: A total of 93 patients were included. Sixty-six (71%) patients had a PFI between 3 and 6 months. Consolidation thoracic radiotherapy and prophylactic cranial irradiation had been administered in 31 (33.3%) patients and 20 (21.5%) patients, respectively. Overall response rate was 59.1%. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5 months (95% confidence interval (CI) 4.3–5.7) and median overall survival (OS) was 7 months (95% CI 5.7–8.3). Notably, PFS and OS were not different according to PFI (3–6 m vs > 6 m). Conclusion: Rechallenge with carboplatin and etoposide is a valid second-line option in patients with ES-SCLC whose disease progresses after first-line chemoimmunotherapy. Our analysis shows similar results to previous studies. Furthermore, outcomes were consistent across patients with different PFIs, confirming its efficacy in patients with a PFI longer than 3 months.

Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 45 años, procedente del medio rural en estudio por epigastralgia de larga data sin vínculo con las ingestas. Sin hallazgos a destacar al examen físico. La imagenología fue compatible con un quiste hidático hepático a nivel del segmento lateral izquierdo. Dada su topografía, adherente al pedículo vasculo biliar del segmento 4, se decide realizar una hepatectomía izquierda por abordaje laparoscópico. Procedimiento sin incidentes. Buena evolución post operatoria, se otorga el alta a las 72 horas.

Macrophages play a pivotal role in tissue homeostasis, pathogen defense, and inflammation resolution. M1 and M2 macrophage phenotypes represent two faces in a spectrum of responses to microenvironmental changes, crucial in both physiological and pathological conditions. Neuraminidase 1 (Neu1), a lysosomal and cell surface sialidase responsible for removing terminal sialic acid residues from glycoconjugates, modulates several macrophage functions, including phagocytosis and Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling. Current evidence suggests that Neu1 expression influences M1/M2 macrophage phenotype alterations in the context of cardiovascular diseases, indicating a potential role for Neu1 in macrophage polarization. For this reason, we investigated the impact of Neu1 deficiency on macrophage polarization in vitro and in vivo. Using bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and peritoneal macrophages from Neu1 knockout (Neu1−/−) mice and wild-type (WT) littermate controls, we demonstrated that Neu1-deficient macrophages exhibit an aberrant M2-like phenotype, characterized by elevated macrophage mannose receptor 1 (MMR/CD206) expression and reduced responsiveness to M1 stimuli. This M2-like phenotype was also observed in vivo in peritoneal and splenic macrophages. However, lymph node (LN) macrophages from Neu1−/− mice exhibited phenotypic alterations with reduced CD206 expression. Further analysis revealed that peripheral LNs from Neu1−/− mice were highly fibrotic, with overexpression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and hyperactivated TGF-β signaling in LN macrophages. Consistently, TGF-β1 was found to alter M1/M2 macrophage polarization in vitro. Our findings showed that Neu1 deficiency prompts macrophages towards an M2 phenotype and that microenvironmental changes, particularly increased TGF-β1 in fibrotic tissues such as peripheral LNs in Neu1−/− mice, further influence M1/M2 macrophage polarization, highlighting its sensitivity to the local microenvironment. Therapeutic interventions targeting Neu1 or TGF-β signaling pathways may offer the potential to regulate macrophage behavior across different diseases.

Background: As a result of botanical explorations carried out for the project Bromeliaceae of Mexico, we collected plants of the genus Hechtia within the Sierra de Huautla Biosphere Reserve, in Xochipala, municipality of Tlaquiltenango, Morelos, Mexico. However, this plant does not resemble any known species. Question: Do the Hechtia populations in Xochipala correspond to an undescribed taxon? Studied species: Species of Hechtia previously reported from Morelos and all the taxa with greater morphological similarity to the new proposed taxon. Study site and date: Xochipala, municipality of Tlaquiltenango, Morelos, Mexico, 2023. Methods: Our research involved field work, review of herbarium specimens, protologues, and type material of all the species of Hechtia distributed in Morelos, in the neighboring states of Puebla and Guerrero, and of the most morphologically similar taxa. Results: After a careful and detailed review of the living material and herbarium specimens, we conclude that those plants belong to an undescribed taxon that we propose here. A morphological description, images, and a distribution map of Hechtia cerrostlatilpae are included, as well as an identification key and a list of examined specimens of all Hechtia species known from the state of Morelos. Conclusions: The discovery of a new species of Hechtia in Xochipala, Morelos, Mexico increases the plant diversity of Morelos, particularly at the Sierra de Huautla Biosphere Reserve. Hechtia cerrostlatilpae presents unique vegetative and floral characters that allow its recognition as a new species within the genus.

Los aerosoles de hollín producidos durante procesos de combustión incompleta son aglomerados compuestos por partículas primarias carbonáceas cuasi-esféricas con disposiciones (forma, tamaño, estructura interna) marcadamente diferentes y composición variable. Aunque son uno de los principales contribuyentes al cambio climático, sigue siendo difícil cuantificar con precisión su potencial de calentamiento global (GWP). Sería necesario un conocimiento preciso de las propiedades ópticas de los aglomerados de hollín (carbón negro - BC) para establecer de manera justa un GWP equivalente a CO2. Los efectos de calentamiento del BC dependen de su tamaño y forma, y a pesar de su tiempo de residencia limitado en la atmósfera, su alta fuerza radiativa conduce a GWP ~ 2000. Cuantificar las concentraciones de BC en la atmósfera a menudo se basa en mediciones ópticas, que generalmente carecen de precisión. Nuestros cálculos sobre el forzamiento radiativo directo del BC mostraron que la irregularidad del aglomerado, así como su tamaño, afectan marcadamente su capacidad de enfriamiento/calentamiento debido a las variaciones extremas de sus características de absorción y dispersión. La estimación del forzamiento radiativo incremental de los aerosoles es un desafío, ya que depende de parámetros locales como la nubosidad, el albedo de la superficie, la concentración de aerosoles, etc., los cuales son variables en todo el mundo. En base a eso, no recomendamos utilizar un GWP equivalente a CO2 único para el BC.